Leave the card tables for a while to hit the Strip (and beyond) for EDGE’s favorite Vegas hot spots.

Lucky Finds 1 through 7

#1The MGM Grand $160 Million MakeoverThis 5,044-room property has been undergoing a facelift for the past year. Be one of the first to get a load of the iconic property’s updated digs, including the Grand King room, featuring 40-inch HD TV, automatic blackout shades (a must in a 24-hour town) and plush linens.

#2The Chandelier Bar at the CosmopolitanA Viking woman of libation, mixologist Mariena Mercer leaves no rock unturned in her quest for the most unusual spirits, fruits and herbs to compose her three-tiered cocktail creations at Vegas’ ultimate hotspot. Two million crystals create a cocoon-like atmosphere, with each level offering a different vibe as well as different beverage selection. The bottom floor features a live DJ and intricate specialty drinks. The middle level is inspired by molecular gastronomy; in fact, the separate cocktail kitchen has the largest fresh-bar program in the world. On top, the flirty atmosphere relies on house-concocted syrups garnished with sweet accents. One of Mercer’s wildest ingredients has to be the Szechuan button flower, an exotic, powerful bud that, if eaten whole, will have you puckering and drooling for a second round. On the docket for her winter menu is the Miracle Berry, a Willy Wonka-esque West African berry that will sweeten your palette for a "flavor tripping" cocktail hour.

#3Sensi at the BellagioFour kitchens produce a locally driven menu divided into Italian, Asian, American grill and seafood offerings. All the world’s a stage in this mashup of flavor profiles. Throw caution to the wind if you and your travel companions are feeling indecisive. You’ll find everything from sushi and potstickers to a porcini rubbed ribeye steak and Skuna Bay salmon.

#4Cirque WeekA trip to Vegas isn’t complete without a gravity-defying Cirque du Soleil experience. Cirque Week Exclusive Access offers participants a behind-the scenes aquatic tour of "O," a set and sound demonstration at Love, and a close-up sensual rehearsal at "Zumanity." Various VIP packages include a chance to see the entire seven-show Cirque canon. Dec. 1- 8.

#5Rock and Roll Fantasy CampFrom a two-hour session in a state-of-the-art rehearsal studio to a multiday destination camp worthy of a stadium performance, work with a Rock Star counselor to channel your inner Lennon-McCartney, write your own song, and get a chance to work with the industry’s best, including Roger Daltry and Alice Cooper.

#6Get Wild at TENDERLuxor plays host to chef K.C. Fazel, who reinvented the traditional surf-and-turf restaurant by literally going out on a limb. While you can find classics like Yankee Pot Roast and Maine lobster, go for the wild game tasting menu instead. Savor Nilgai antelope osso buco, axis venison and wild boar. Forget steak fries: The exotic side dishes include ancient grains such as quinoa, farro and black forbidden rice.

#7Flightlinez at the Fremont Street ExperienceExperience "vintage Vegas" at the intersection of Fremont and Main, where Sin City began more than 100 years ago. The area’s renaissance continues, and what better way to take in the casinos, restaurants and 20-million-light Viva Vision canopy than from above?